The Library of Birmingham, UK - A City Gem!

The Library of Birmingham, which opened in September 2013, is one of the most photographed of modern builds in the City. With so much to experience, a visit to the Library is a must!


The Library of Birmingham 

Centenary Square

Birmingham

B1 2EA

View site map HERE.

Photography by Daniel Sturley.

 

Architect: Mecanoo (Netherlands based practice)

Construction: Led by Carillon

 

The building in brief

The building has been recognised for both its innovative design and for its positive social impact and has won numerous awards.

It is estimated to have cost £188.8 million to build. 

Pre-construction

Photography by Elliott Brown

During construction

Photography by Elliott Brown.

Construction completed (2013)

Photography by Elliott Brown.

 

Inside the Library of Birmingham

There is several basement levels (children's library), plus you can get the escalators up towards Level 3, and Travelator up to Level 4. Lifts or stairs takes you up to Level 7, and Level 9. Level's 5, 6 and 8 are staff only. The glass lift broke down after a year and has not been repaired.

 

Level 0

Library of Birmingham Escalators from Level 0 to Level 1 at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Level 2

Library of Birmingham Level 2 the Knowledge Floor at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Level 2 (what was formerly called the Knowledge Floor) as it is was in August 2021.

Library of BirminghamLevel 2 the Knowledge Floor at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Gallery (Level 3)

Regularly changing exhibitions in The Gallery on the third floor, that are usually on for several months.

The GalleryThe Gallery at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Travelator (level 3 to 4)

Library of Birmingham Travelator from Level 3 to Level 4 at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Travelator from level 3 to 4 as it is now as of mid August 2021.

TravelatorTravelator from Level 3 to Level 4 at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Level 7

Library of Birmingham Level 7 view down to Level 4 near the Glass Lift at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

History of the Library

Prior to the new build, the Birmingham's Library called Central Library was situated in Chamberlain Square.  

This site is now occupied by One Chamberlain Square, one of the modern flagship builds of the Paradise scheme.

The Central Library just before the start demolition in 2016 - Photography by Daniel Sturley.

 

Baskerville Basin (site of The Library of Birmingham)

Prior to work commencing on the library in 2010, archaelogists were on site revealing the history of Baskerville Basin.

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Photography by Elliott Brown.

Part of the canal network used to stretch into what is now Centenary Square but this was filled in during the 1930s to make way for a proposed Civic Centre. The excavation revealed intact brick walls of Baskerville Basin and a private canal built circa 1810 called Gibson's Arm. 

The map below printed in 1880 shows Baskerville Wharf between Cambridge Street and Broad Street. 

1880 map

 

The Secret Garden and Discovery Terrace at The Library of Birmingham 

Two roof top garden areas. Head up the escalators to level 3 for the Discovery Terrace. Or continue up the travelator to level 4, then walk around and catch the lift up to level 7 (or walk up the stairs) to get to the Secret Garden. Note that the glass lift broke down after a year of operation and has never been fixed, but there is about 3 lifts around the corner.

 

The Discovery Terrace

The Discovery Terrace is on Level 3 of the Library of Birmingham. There used to be revolving doors to get out here, but is now automatic doors. There is also a disabled button you can press to open the door.

Discovery Terrace Discovery Terrace at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Discovery Terrace as it is now during mid August 2021.

Discovery TerraceDiscovery Terrace at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Secret Garden

Go to level 7, via the lifts or stairs, to get to the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham. Press the disabled button to open the door. For some amazing views, of the ever changing skyline.

Secret Garden Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Secret Garden as it is now as of mid August 2021.

Secret GardenSecret Garden at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Shakespeare Memorial Room at The Library of Birmingham 

At the top of the Library inside the Golden Cylinder is the Shakespeare Memorial Room. The original room was designed by John Henry Chamberlain in 1882 and it was founded by George Dawson and friends who believed that Birmingham should be home to the world's greatest collection of books by Shakespeare. As of September 2021, it is still closed to the public, as is access to Level 9.

Library of Birmingham

Photography by Elliott Brown.

Shakspeare Memorial Room

Photography by Elliott Brown

Don't miss our great associated feature of the amazing views that can be seen from the 3rd floor terrace (the Discovery Terrace), the 'Secret Garden (on the 7th floor) and the enclosed 'Skyview' room on the 9th floor with the Skakespeare Memorial Room (Skyline Viewpoint):

Views From The Library of Birmingham

Contact

Library of Birmingham

Library of Birmingham on Twitter

Library of Birmingham on Facebook

Library of Birmingham on Instagram

Project dates

08 Mar 2018 - On-going

Passions

Photography, Education, Modern Architecture

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com

Related posts

History & heritage
14 Sep 2020 - Your Place Your Space
Introducing

Introducing The Library of Birmingham

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So much to explore at The Library of Birmingham,  The Library opened in September 2013 and is most certainly an Icon of Birmingham and one of the most photographed places in the City.  

There is so much our community want to share with you so for posts, photography, maps and all things Library of Birmingham take the related link. 

Related

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40 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
20 Sep 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Ten years of free exhibitions in The Gallery at the Library of Birmingham

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The Gallery is on Level 3 (the third floor) of the Library of Birmingham. There has been several exhibitions in this space between 2013 and 2023. From the Reference Works exhibition in September 2013 to The Birmingham Allotment Project in September 2023. Plus a couple related to Shakespeare and Watt in between.

Related

Ten years of free exhibitions in The Gallery at the Library of Birmingham





The Gallery is on Level 3 (the third floor) of the Library of Birmingham. There has been several exhibitions in this space between 2013 and 2023. From the Reference Works exhibition in September 2013 to The Birmingham Allotment Project in September 2023. Plus a couple related to Shakespeare and Watt in between.


2013: Reference Works

3rd September to 29th December 2013.

The very first exhibition in The Gallery at the Library of Birmingham, from September 2013 was Reference Works. Birmingham Central Library in 2010 commissioned four photographers - Michael Collins, Brian Griffin, Andrew Lacon and Stuart Whipps to make individual creative responses to the emergence of the Library of Birmingham. The four artists also mentored students and graduates from Birmingham City University. There was also an exhibition outside of the Library of Birmingham at the time in Centenary Square, with historic images of the old Central libraries from the 1882 to 2013.

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2014: Voices of War

29th September to 31st December 2014

Voices of War: Birmingham People 1914-19 transports us back to Birmingham during the First World War and tells the stories of local people.

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2015: Mat Collishaw - In Camera

18th September 2015 to 10th January 2016.

The room was dark with this art installation by Mat Collishaw. In Camera means Camera Obscura (Latin for dark chamber). It features a series of 12 crime scene negatives made for the Birmingham City Police Force during the 1930s and 1940s. Collishaw discovered the uncatalogued images. Using flashing bulbs.

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2016: Our Shakespeare

22nd April to  3rd September 2016.

It commemorated the 400th anniversary of the death of the bard William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616). Also relating to the Shakespeare Memorial Room and George Dawson.

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2017: Pavel Brázda is Here! 

1st June to 1st July 2017.

Didn't go to this one, just saw the signs from outside of the library at the time.

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2017: Connecting Stories

Around October 2017 there was an Indian tricycle (Rickshaw) in front of The Gallery. Behind was an exhibition at the time called Connecting Stories (didn't go into that one).

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2018: Wholesale Memory

29th January to 7th April 2018.

Friction Arts presents the Wholesale Memory Exhibition. The Smithfield Wholesale Markets have been on their present site for 900 years but they moved later in 2018 to Witton to make way for the Smithfield redevelopment.

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2018: The Empire Windrush Generation Exhibition

24th May to 30th June 2018.

Celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Empire Windrush ship with Black Britions who emigrated to the UK from the Caribbean, in 1948.

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2019: Watt in the World

12th July to 2nd November 2019.

Commemorated the bicentenary of the death of James Watt (1736 - 1819). As well as his life and legacy.

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2022: Everything to Everybody

22nd July to 5th November 2022.

Was part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival. Was about creating the Shakespeare Library.

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2023: The Birmingham Allotment Project. Wotta Lotta Culture!

Saturday 16th September to Saturday 25th November 2023.
A snapshot of Birmingham's vibrant allotment culture from the 1960s to the present day.

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Photos by Elliott Brown

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80 passion points
Green open spaces
18 Jun 2023 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Secret Garden summer 2023 bloom at the Library of Birmingham

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Get the lift up to level 7 to experience the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham in full bloom, this summer 2023! The views may have got a bit the same and boring (nothing new). But there is benches to sit down if you want, and enjoy the sunshine and the flowers. We also had a look at the Secret Garden during spring 2023, a few months earlier.

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Secret Garden summer 2023 bloom at the Library of Birmingham





Get the lift up to level 7 to experience the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham in full bloom, this summer 2023! The views may have got a bit the same and boring (nothing new). But there is benches to sit down if you want, and enjoy the sunshine and the flowers. We also had a look at the Secret Garden during spring 2023, a few months earlier.


A visit to the Secret Garden on the 25th April 2023. Remember if you come up here, do not use your drone! It is not allowed!

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In mid spring, the flowers were looking quite lush on the seventh floor garden terrace.

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Red flowers seen at the Secret Garden on the 1st June 2023. Google Lens say that they are Avens.

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The quick visit of the 14th June 2023. The flowers and plants are in full bloom, the sky was blue, and it was hot during the June Summer 2023 heatwave!

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Photography by Elliott Brown

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70 passion points
Civic pride
22 Mar 2023 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

Dawson and Timmins, the co-founders of the Shakespeare Memorial Library

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On the 28th February 2023, two blue plaques were unveiled at the Shakespeare Memorial Room, Level 9 of the Library of Birmingham. One of Samuel Timmins (it was placed in Elvetham Road, Edgbaston) and George Dawson (outside the room at the Skyline Viewpoint room). There is also an exhibition on from Everything to Everybody Shakespeare, for visitors to see.

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Dawson and Timmins, the co-founders of the Shakespeare Memorial Library





On the 28th February 2023, two blue plaques were unveiled at the Shakespeare Memorial Room, Level 9 of the Library of Birmingham. One of Samuel Timmins (it was placed in Elvetham Road, Edgbaston) and George Dawson (outside the room at the Skyline Viewpoint room). There is also an exhibition on from Everything to Everybody Shakespeare, for visitors to see.


The Heroic Age in Birmingham History

The Heroic Age in Birmingham History is part of the Everything to Everybody Project. It started on the 27th February and runs to the 12th April 2023. A collaboration between the Jewellery Quarter Research Trust and Everything to Everybody. They have worked together to explore the formation of Our Shakespeare Club and the people behind it. Free entry.

A quick look at this exhibition on Saturday 4th March 2023, was a lot of people in there, only really came up for the George Dawson blue plaque, which wasn't outside the room that day. There is images of Dawson, Timmins and Bunce on three of the walls up here. There was books in the glass display tables.

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A return visit to the Shakespeare Memorial Room on Thursday 16th March 2023, this time got the room to myself. Mission accomplished this time, as I got the George Dawson blue plaque, now on the wall outside of the room that he inspired. Probably best to see it during a weekday, compared to a Saturday (closed on Sunday's).

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Link to Everything to Everybody 

Birmingham City Council page on The Heroic Age in Birmingham

 

Samuel Timmins

Samuel 'Sam:' Timmins (1826-1902) lived at 18 Elvetham Road, Edgbaston. Also called Elvetham Lodge. Timmins was a co-founder of the Shakespeare Memorial Library. Timmins was a learned industrialist, lover of libraries and literature. The blue plaque from the Birmingham Civic Society was unveiled in the Shakespeare Memorial Room on the 28th February 2023, and was placed a few days later on his former home in Edgbaston. Seen on the 4th March 2023.

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George Dawson

On the 4th March 2023, the George Dawson blue plaque was not yet screwed to the wall outside of the Shakespeare Memorial Room, but the existing tablets, from the old Central Libraries, and the previous blue plaque up here for Marie Bethell Beauclerc were on the wall.

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I waited a couple of weeks for them to put the blue plaque up, and returned on the 16th March 2023. George Dawson (1821-1876) was a champion of the Civic Gospel, promoting responsible local government and education, arts and culture for all. He inspired the world's first great Shakespeare Library. Dawson bust has been up here on Level 9 in the Skyline Viewpoint room since it opened in September 2013, but the glass case for that and the other marble busts is a recent addition.

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Previous post on the Shakespeare Memorial Room

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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60 passion points
People & community
07 Sep 2021 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Library of Birmingham ready for volunteers for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

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From the 6th September 2021 until December, people who applied to be volunteers at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games can show up for an interview (if they have been invited). They will go to the Library of Birmingham. The Library Cafe and half of Level 2 have been taken over. Photos taken by Elliott Brown on the 4th September 2021 before closing time.

Related

Library of Birmingham ready for volunteers for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games





From the 6th September 2021 until December, people who applied to be volunteers at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games can show up for an interview (if they have been invited). They will go to the Library of Birmingham. The Library Cafe and half of Level 2 have been taken over. Photos taken by Elliott Brown on the 4th September 2021 before closing time.


Let the Games Begin! Enter via the door at Centenary Square, to what used to be the Library Cafe at the Library of Birmingham.

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As you can see Birmingham 2022 has taken over the space of the Library Cafe.

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As well as the Mezzannine floor (which is above the Library Cafe space).

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Commonwealth Games banners have been placed inside of the Library foyer area on the ground floor.

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Head up the escalators to Level 2. Note that the you might have to walk up the escalator from Level's 1 to 2, or use the lifts.

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Be at the Heart of it. If you are applying to be a volunteer, head this way to your interview. Good luck.

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Information about the Legacy Programmes and the Queen's Baton Relay. The relay last went into Birmingham's Centenary Square during 2014 (ahead of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games).

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Meet the mascot, Perry the Bull.

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Photos taken by Elliott Brown can also be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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70 passion points
Travel & tourism
15 Aug 2021 - Your Place Your Space
Gallery

City views from the 'Secret Garden' at the Library - wonderful!

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The 'Secret Garden' on the 7th Floor of the Library of Birmingham is open and our regular Birmingham We Are contributors Elliott and Daniel couldn't wait to get back up after 18 months to photograph all the changes across the city. We've included some photos of the inside of the Library and of the Secret Garden in this gallery.

Related

City views from the 'Secret Garden' at the Library - wonderful!





The 'Secret Garden' on the 7th Floor of the Library of Birmingham is open and our regular Birmingham We Are contributors Elliott and Daniel couldn't wait to get back up after 18 months to photograph all the changes across the city. We've included some photos of the inside of the Library and of the Secret Garden in this gallery.


Inside the amazing Library of Birmingham. (August 13th 2021)

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The Library's 'Secret Garden' on the 7th floor (13th August 2021)

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City views from the Secret Garden

Here looking down at Centenary Square from 50 metres above it in the Secret Garden.

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Here's a selection of views over the city.

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Here's some of the amazing flowers that can be found in the Secret Garden.

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All the amazing photography from our community contributors Daniel Sturley and Elliott Brown.

 

For our feature on the Library of Birmingham, one of our Birmingham Gems go HERE.

For our Birmingham Gems interactive map, go HERE.

For all Birmingham Gems, go to www.BirminghamGems.com.

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80 passion points
Green open spaces
09 Nov 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

The Discovery Terrace and the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham during September 2013

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The Library of Birmingham opened to the public back in early September 2013. Elliott had his fist visit on the 21st September 2013 in the late afternoon, with just about time to visit the Discovery Terrace. With closing at 5pm, he returned a week later on the 28th September 2013 to head up to the Secret Garden for the first time. Since then he has been loads of times over the years.

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The Discovery Terrace and the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham during September 2013





The Library of Birmingham opened to the public back in early September 2013. Elliott had his fist visit on the 21st September 2013 in the late afternoon, with just about time to visit the Discovery Terrace. With closing at 5pm, he returned a week later on the 28th September 2013 to head up to the Secret Garden for the first time. Since then he has been loads of times over the years.


A digital tour of the Discovery Terrace and the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham. As they were during September 2013, within a few weeks of the Library opening to the public.

 

To see Elliott's previous Library of Birmingham posts from the September 2013 visits click the links below:

Discovery Terrace

Located on Level 3, the Discovery Terrace is accessed through the Revolving doors from the Discovery Floor (this was later replaced with automatic doors years later). Facing Centenary Square and the Arena Central site. Part of it goes around the side of the Library with a view of City Centre Gardens below.

On the 21st September 2013 you could see the old John Madin designed Birmingham Central Library and NatWest Tower (103 Colmore Row).

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Was a bit of an animal art trail on the Discovery Terrace at the time.

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Area at the back was not accessible at the time with all these barriers with something that was being finished off.

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Looks like the only way to this section that day was via the side door from the library.

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Some kind of bird house.

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Secret Garden

Located on Level 7, you can get the travelator up from Level 3 to 4, then the lift or stairs up to Level 7. The Glass Lift initially worked in it's first year, but has not worked for many years or even been fixed. Press the disabled door button to open the door to the Secret Garden. It has views to the back of the Library, plus you can go around to the front for views of the City Centre.

On the 28th September 2013, there was a lot of people up on the Secret Garden. Views from up here are spectacular and change all the time. Although sometimes gets a bit boring on repeated visits over the years.

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Some more colourful art installations for people to look out for at the time.

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Wooden benches to sit down on and rest.

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The view at the front over Centenary Square was quite busy that day.

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Lots of colourful flowers up here. They regularly change them all the time.

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Another bird house up here as well.

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Over they years since, it does get a bit frustrating when the only thing to see is all of those construction sites, and I don't always want to take photos of them. Would be nice to somehow get access to the top of other tall buildings for photo views. Ran out of things to take up here. It's only those events that used to happen in Centenary Square down below that made a change from the usual views.

The Library has been closed since the first lockdown. Apart from people going for books, the terraces have yet to be reopened to the public, so I have no idea when I'll be going back up there. It wont be any time soon, that's for sure.

With a Second Lockdown (for at least a month), it means that there has been no access up to the terraces for 8 or 9 months and counting. The library had only reopened for people taking out or returning books only.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown.

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80 passion points
History & heritage
28 Jul 2020 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

The Shakespeare Memorial Room at the Library of Birmingham

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Since September 2013, the Shakespeare Memorial Room has been located on Level 9 at the Library of Birmingham (near the Skyline Viewpoint). Did you know that it was orginally built in 1882 to house the Shakespeare Library and was designed by John Henry Chamberlain. It was later dismantled and placed in the 1974 Central Library in the School of Music Complex, before it was moved again.

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The Shakespeare Memorial Room at the Library of Birmingham





Since September 2013, the Shakespeare Memorial Room has been located on Level 9 at the Library of Birmingham (near the Skyline Viewpoint). Did you know that it was orginally built in 1882 to house the Shakespeare Library and was designed by John Henry Chamberlain. It was later dismantled and placed in the 1974 Central Library in the School of Music Complex, before it was moved again.


The Shakespeare Memorial Room

On the 28th September 2013, I returned to the Library of Birmingham for my second visit. Also to go up to the floors that I had no time for the first time around. I went up the lift. Some lifts only go has far as Level 7, so you need the lift to Level 9. This would take you to the Skyline Viewpoint and to the Shakespeare Memorial Room. Or you can walk up the stairs.

In the first month of being open, the library was very busy and full of tourists, including many from overseas, so it was packed! There was a lot of people in the Shakespeare Memorial Room on my first visit. Although in the years since, I've had the room to myself.

Click here for my last post on the Library of Birmingham for an interior tour.

Now located inside of the Golden Cylinder at the top of the Library (looks like a Nescafe Gold Blend coffee jar lid).

The Birmingham Shakespeare Memorial Library was founded by George Dawson and some of his closest friends, as they decided that Birmingham should be the home of the greatest collection of Shakespeare's books in the world. They insisted that a room be built for them, and that it should be free and open to everyone.

It was originally created for the much loved (and missed) Victorian Central Library (opened in 1882 and demolished in 1974). The first Central Library of the Victorian era was built in 1866 but was partially destroyed by a fire in 1879. John Henry Chamberlain was given the task to re-build the Library and this included a room to house Birmingham's Shakespeare Library.

Sir Barry Jackson, the founder of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1913, later became a Director of the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon during the late 1940s. There is a gavel given to him in 1936 in the room.

The next Central Library was designed by John Madin and was built from 1969 until 1974. The Shakespeare Memorial Room was dismantled from the old Victorian library and put back together like a jigsaw puzzle. Being placed in what was the School of Music complex. Which included Adrian Boult Hall and the Birmingham Conservatoire. This included the Library Theatre Birmingham and the William Shakespeare Memorial Library and the Library Exhibition Hall.

It remained there until it was moved to the new Library of Birmingham in 2013 (built from 2010 until 2013).

The roof was reconstructed by in plaster by A E Edwards & Co, a Birmingham based company dating to the 1870s.

I'd only ever got close to the outside of the old complex (during 2011), so never stepped foot in the room until it reopened at the Library of Birmingham in 2013.

 

View of the Library Theatre Birmingham on the 2nd January 2011. This concrete bridge was in front of Woktastic. There was also an entrance to Adrian Boult Hall at the time.

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What was the entrance to the William Shakespeare Memorial Library and Library Exhibition Hall. I never went in. Wasn't sure if I could open the doors as they were self locking doors. After the last Central Library closed down for good in 2013, I had to wait for the new Library to open before I could see the room for myself for the first time.

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On the 31st August 2013, I was getting my last views of the Library of Birmingham before it opened to the public in Centenary Square 3 days later on the 3rd September 2013. This view of the golden cylinder seen from Suffolk Street Queensway. The windows at the front is the Skyline Viewpoint and the Shakespeare Memorial Room is behind that.

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On the 21st September 2013 during my first visit to the inside of the Library of Birmingham I took the photo below. At the top of the library on Level 9 is the Shakespeare Memorial Room inside of the Golden Cylinder. Below on Level 7 is the Secret Garden. The view was from the Birmingham Canal Navigations Main Line (near the Turnover Bridge No. 2 close to what was at that point called the National Indoor Arena). Overlooking the ICC Energy Centre.

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On the 28th September 2013, arriving at the Shakespeare Memorial Room on Level 9 for the first time. There was a lot of people in there.

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Looking up at the ceiling. It is remarkable that this has survived since the late 19th century (unless it is a recreation).

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Looking to the wooden panelling on one side of the room.

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It more or less looks the same to the right.

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And to the left near the door.

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One of the corners with the bookcases.

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Looking down at the doors of the lower cabinets.

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Looking up to the ceiling to the ornate detailing at the top.

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Out of the door, and there was comfy red sofas at the Skyline Viewpoint.

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Ornate glass windows in the upper cabinet doors.

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The views outside the room are spectacular. There is also a couple of busts and plaques / tablets, including ones saved from the old Central Libraries. If the lifts are busy walk down the stairs (if you can).

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

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70 passion points
Modern Architecture
23 Jun 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Tour of the inside of the Library of Birmingham during September 2013

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Welcome to a tour of the Library of Birmingham from my visits back in September 2013. My first visits were on the 21st and 28th September 2013. It was very busy. Loads of people visiting the library for the first time. Heading up the escalators between the levels. At the time the glass lift still worked, so you could go in that if it wasn't too busy. 9 levels plus the basement levels.

Related

Tour of the inside of the Library of Birmingham during September 2013





Welcome to a tour of the Library of Birmingham from my visits back in September 2013. My first visits were on the 21st and 28th September 2013. It was very busy. Loads of people visiting the library for the first time. Heading up the escalators between the levels. At the time the glass lift still worked, so you could go in that if it wasn't too busy. 9 levels plus the basement levels.


For this post we are only looking at the inside of the Library of Birmingham. So not the Shakespeare Memorial Room, Discovery Terrace or the Secret Garden (I'll leave those for future posts).

 

Originally the Library had revolving doors from Centenary Square (and also to the Discovery Terrace on Level 3). There is also a disabled door you can use by the press of a button. The revolving doors were replaced years later by automatic doors, as the revolving doors kept getting stuck. Also the glass lift from Level 4 to Level 7 stopped working after a year. Meaning you have to use the other lifts, or the stairs (if you can). There are escalators from Level G (the ground floor) to Level 3. Then a travelator up to Level 4. Access to Level 7 and 9 is by the lifts or stairs. Level 5 and Level 8 is for staff only. There is also the Library Cafe on the ground floor, and you can take you coffee up to the Mezzanine floor (also called Level MZ).

 

21st September 2013

Starting on the ground floor Level G, a look towards the entrance to the REP. On the left is the Library Shop. Where you can buy Birmingham souvenirs. I got in after 4pm that day.

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The escalators from Level G to Level 1 was busy that day. On the left was a temporary exhibition, called The Pavilion

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When it opened, Level 1 was originally called Business Learning & Health (this was before Brasshouse Languages took it over in 2016).

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There used to be desks where you could work on your laptop or tablet on. WiFi early on was weak, but years later the free WiFi got better (well at least after I kept upgrading my smartphone every couple of years).

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The escalators from Level 1 up to Level 2.

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Next up was Level 2, which was originally called the Knowledge Floor. Around the core of this floor and the floor above is the Book Rotunda. There is a lot of old historic books around there.

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Another area for studying and using your laptop or tablet with a view out to Centenary Square.

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Now it was time to leave Level 2 for Level 3. Just had to go up the escalator to the next floor.

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Now a look around Level 3, which was called the Discovery Floor at the time. This area was called the Mediatheque. Where you can watch films from a library collection (I think).

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The Travelator that goes from Level 3 up to Level 4. That time it was set to go up on the right. Usually you go up on the left.

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On the ride up, you can see the glass lift. And there was a queue for it waiting to go up to Level 7.

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Level 4 was called Archives & Heritage. You can go through glass doors when you get to the top, or at the time use the glass lift (it wouldn't remain in service for long before it broke down - in fact it's not worked for years!).

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I would have gone higher that day, but it was almost 5pm and that was the time that the Library of Birmingham closed for the evening. So heading back down the escalators through the Book Rotunda. At this point heading down from Level 3 to Level 2. Next up would be the escalator down to Level 1.

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Heading down the escalator from Level 1 back to Level G, where you can see The Pavilion temporary exhibition on the right.

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A look at the Children's Library which is on Level LG (Lower Ground Floor).

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Back on Level G, and heading from the Library of Birmingham into the foyer of the REP.

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28th September 2013

One week later, I returned to the Library of Birmingham to go all the way up to the top to Level 9 for the Shakespeare Memorial Room and Skyline Viewpoint. Got in much earlier this time, just before 1pm that day. This wall welcomes you to the Library of Birmingham. Was also a screen showing information about the exhibition on at the time called Dozens & Trails. This was on Level G.

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This time I was able to get the glass lift up from Level 4 to Level 7.

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Now on Level 7 after going up the glass lift. Here you can see the comfy red chairs in a staff only area of the Library. On Level 7 is the Secret Garden.

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Views from Level 7 near the Glass Lift down to the floors below. You can see the travelator and the escalators down to about Level 2.

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If you don't like heights don't look down! On this day the travelator was operating in the correct directions. Left side to take you down from Level 7 to 4. The right side to take you up from Level 4 to 7.

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The escalators on Level 2 takes you to and from Level 1 (on the left) and to and from Level 3 (on the right).

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There was also some comfy red chairs on Level 7. I used to sit on some of them on Level 3 to get onto the WiFi on my then smartphone.

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On Level 7 you can see a staff office through the window from the corridor from the regular lifts and stairs. So you might see this if going to or from the Secret Garden (unless they have the blinds down).

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That day I used the stairs to go down. Went a bit too far down to Level LG, and saw these desks with PC's on them. So had to go back up the stairs to Level G to exit.

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That's it folks for this tour of the Library of Birmingham. It's changed a lot since it first opened 7 years ago.

For the next Library of Birmingham post, I could show you around the Shakespeare Memorial Room. It's on Level 9 near the Skyline Viewpoint.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

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70 passion points
Classic Architecture
14 May 2020 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

Before the Library of Birmingham there was Baskerville Basin

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Before construction of the Library of Birmingham was begun by Carillion in 2010, archaeologists were on site in the summer of 2009 digging up the former car park, revealing the former Baskerville Basin. Part of the canal network used to stretch into what is now Centenary Square, but was filled in during the 1930s to make way for a proposed Civic Centre. I saw the remains in August 2009.

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Before the Library of Birmingham there was Baskerville Basin





Before construction of the Library of Birmingham was begun by Carillion in 2010, archaeologists were on site in the summer of 2009 digging up the former car park, revealing the former Baskerville Basin. Part of the canal network used to stretch into what is now Centenary Square, but was filled in during the 1930s to make way for a proposed Civic Centre. I saw the remains in August 2009.


For more on John Baskerville check out my post here: John Baskerville: creator of his own typeface.

 

Before Carillion could start building the Library of Birmingham in January 2010, archaeologists had to go on the site in the summer of 2009. For many years the land between Baskerville House and The REP had been used as a car park for the Council. Once the upper layers were dug up, they could start digging up the remains and see what was left below. Intact brick walls of Baskerville Basin were found on the site and many remains and finds. Towards the site of what is now Centenary Square used to be Gibson's Arm which was a private canal built during the 1810s. Baskerville Basin was filled in during 1938 before the proposed Civic Centre was to be built. While Baskerville House and the Hall of Memory were built, the rest of the proposals weren't indirectly due to the outbreak of World War Two.

 

A map printed in 1880, this section showing Baskerville Wharf between Cambridge Street and Broad Street. Old Wharf is below (that was later filled in as well).

dndimg alt="1880 map" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Baskerville and Old Wharf 1880.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I would assume that the original scanner took it from the Library of Birmingham's maps area.

Map below in the Birmingham History Galleries, BM & AG, of the location of Old Wharf. In the 18th Century where John Baskerville's house on what was Easy Row. Baskerville Wharf was located a little further to the north west of here.

dndimg alt="Baskerville" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BHG BMAG John Baskerville (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Also see my post on the model of the proposed square we never got: The Centenary Square we never got in the 1940s. Had the plans gone ahead there could have been formal gardens on this site.

This model (seen below) is at the Birmingham Museum Collection Centre.

dndimg alt="Civic Centre model" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model of proposed Civic Centre 1941 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The following 8 photos were taken down the service road between Baskerville House and the site of the Library of Birmingham during August 2009. View towards the Hyatt Hotel and The REP.

dndimg alt="Baskerville Basin remains" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Archaeology at the Library of Birmingham site (Aug 2009) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

View towards The REP.

dndimg alt="Baskerville Basin remains" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Archaeology at the Library of Birmingham site (Aug 2009) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Brick walls were sticking out of the ground. I wonder if they had to dig them up, so there would be room for the basement levels of the Library?

dndimg alt="Baskerville Basin remains" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Archaeology at the Library of Birmingham site (Aug 2009) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

That side of The REP would get demolished during the construction of the Library.

dndimg alt="Baskerville Basin remains" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Archaeology at the Library of Birmingham site (Aug 2009) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

At this point the only hoardings were in Centenary Square.

dndimg alt="Baskerville Basin remains" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Archaeology at the Library of Birmingham site (Aug 2009) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This would be the only time that I saw the remains of the brick walls in the ground.

dndimg alt="Baskerville Basin remains" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Archaeology at the Library of Birmingham site (Aug 2009) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This canal basin / arm used to link up to the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. But now City Centre Gardens and the Civic Centre Towers are built over that end beyond Cambridge Street.

dndimg alt="Baskerville Basin remains" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Archaeology at the Library of Birmingham site (Aug 2009) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

One more view including the Hyatt Hotel and Symphony Hall.

dndimg alt="Baskerville Basin remains" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Archaeology at the Library of Birmingham site (Aug 2009) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

I've got hundreds to thousands of photos of the Library of Birmingham, so any future post will have to be a small highlight of them. Such as during the construction or when it was first opened in 2013.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

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